Our Team
Our Trustees and Honours Board
Meet the people behind Barracks Lane Community Garden. Our team brings together a range of skills and experience, working together to care for the garden, support its activities and help make it a welcoming space for the local community.
Jeremy Spafford
Chair of Trustees
Jeremy has had previous experience as the Founding Chair of Connection Floating Support and Vice Chair of Pegasus Theatre during the rebuilding of the theatre on Magdalen Road. He is now retired but until recently was Director of the Old Fire Station. He joined the Board of Barracks Lane Community Garden in September 2026. He has visited the garden numerous times over the years and has always loved the warm welcome, the beautiful calming atmosphere and the enthusiasm of all those involved. He is a keen but not very skilled gardener.
Melissa Robertson
Trustee
Melissa is a local resident who discovered the garden by attending a community group. She loved the tranquility and beauty of the space and all its benefits for the community. That was at a time when all work was being done online, and she wanted a way to connect with the local area, be face to face and more present, so she became a Trustee at the garden. Melissa's background is in the charity sector, particularly children's and young people's charities. She loves volunteering doing children's craft activities at the garden. Her interests are in green spaces and growing, the environment, arts and crafts, and time with family and friends.
Tara Stubbs
Trustee
Tara is Professor in Modern and Contemporary Literature at Oxford University's Department for Continuing Education, and is also a qualified yoga teacher. She first came to Oxford as a student in 2003 and has lived in east and south Oxford. She makes use of the Garden for yoga classes and workshops, and loves how peaceful it is. She lives in south Oxford with her husband and young son and enjoys the community aspects of living in this small city.
Helen Osborn
Treasurer
I am lucky to have been involved with the Garden from it’s earliest beginnings over 20 years ago. I have been the Treasurer for most of this time but have also had a spell being the Coordinator. I am also Treasurer with our partner organisation, The Nature Effect CIC and have lately become a Director with Green Futures Festivals Ltd who run the Green Futures Field at Glastonbury Festival. Being outside surrounded by plants brings me a certain calm and joy that can’t be synthesised, Barracks Lane Community Garden brings that same sense and I love that it can be shared by so many groups for their sessions and by visitors at our Community Events.
Marwa Hazzouri
Trustee
Marwa is a researcher, educator and community leader with a passion for art, architecture, culture and lifelong learning. Her journey brings together education, cultural and anthropological research, writing, design and community engagement. She believes in the power of knowledge and meaningful dialogue to connect people, bridge cultures, strengthen communities and create a positive and lasting impact.
John Green
Trustee
I am blessed to have a wonderfully supportive family – Annie, 5 children, 10 grandchildren & 2 great grandchildren. Before retirement worked for Oxford City Council Environmental Health – 24 years. I am a Reggae & Ska DJ, Selector & Promoter for Cornerstonemusik / King of Dub Records since 1966 and Radio DJ / Presenter since 2010 (Currently running shows on Wicked Beats Radio). I am also Keen gardener and ‘non dig’ allotment holder growing organically and planting in conjunction with phases of the moon. I have a great love for the community garden and working with a lovely strong group of trustees on maintenance, garden design and growing things. It’s a great pleasure meeting, hosting and working with the diverse communities that use and support the garden. Most rewarding is encouraging people to get involved in the garden, weeding, growing (especially fruit & vegetables), cooking, supporting events, booking the space for workshops and private events.
Jenny Creese
Trustee
Jenny has been a trustee for over 10years. She has spent her whole career working outside in nature with children, families and now adults. She is passionate about the joy of gardens, nature, wildlife, growing, cooking, and generally getting dirty!!
Nicole Pohl
Trustee
Working as an academic, Nicole has been a trustee of the garden since 2021. She came to the garden by booking an event and loved it immediately. Community gardens such as this one are the backbone of our community.